Power generator

ABSTRACT

To provide a power generator capable of replacing thermal generators, which is capable of realizing large amounts of power at low cost while using almost no fossil fuels and without polluting the environment. 
     A solution comprising a solvent, which itself does not dissociate, having added thereto a substance which dissociates in the solvent, stored in the interior of a container having an inner surface possessing corrosion resistance and insulating properties, wherein an anode electrode having a small work function and a cathode electrode having a large work function are immersed in a mutually opposing manner in the solution. 
     A power generator comprising: a container having an inner surface possessing corrosion resistance and insulating properties, a solution comprising water added to anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, stored in the interior of the container so as to be isolated from the atmosphere, an anode electrode comprising a material having a small work function and possessing corrosion resistance, a cathode electrode comprising a material having a large work function and possessing corrosion resistance, and a heat application mechanism.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power generator, and in particularrelates to a power generator which consumes almost no fossil fuels, doesnot pollute the environment, and which makes it possible to obtain largeamounts of power at low cost.

BACKGROUND ART

Presently, power generators can be classified into thermal powergenerators, hydroelectric power generators, nuclear power generators,solar power generators, and the like.

However, thermal power generators, which are presently the main form ofpower generator, generate CO₂ gas, and are thus a substantialcontributor to the present global warming; furthermore, they necessitatethe widespread use of antipollution devices in order to prevent theatmospheric pollution which results from the combustion of large amountsof fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal.

Hydroelectric power generators do not present the problem of atmosphericpollution; however, not only are a great number of sites required fordam construction and the like, but also almost no appropriate siteshaving economically advantageous site conditions remain.

As can be seen from the case of the Chernobyl accident, should anaccident occur in a nuclear power generator, the effects on theenvironment and human beings are extremely great. At the same time,uranium, which serves as the raw material for such power plants, is atype of fossil fuel, so that the amount of underground deposits thereofis limited.

Solar cell power generators make it possible to obtain clean power;however, the cost thereof is high, and the service life of the devicesis short, and large-scale power generation is difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a power generatorwhich uses almost no fossil fuels, does not pollute the environment, andmakes it possible to obtain large amounts of power at low cost.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above-stated problems, in the power generator ofthe present invention, a solution comprising a solvent, which itselfdoes not dissociate, having added thereto a substance which dissociatesin this solvent, is placed within a container having an inner surfacepossessing corrosion resistance and electrically insulating propertieswith respect to the solution,

an anode electrode having a small work function, and a cathode electrodehaving a large work function, are immersed in the solution stored withinthe container, in a mutually opposing manner, and

a heat application mechanism for applying predetermined heat to thesolution, are provided.

Here, the requirements for the solvent are as follows.

(1) The temperature range within which the solvent is in a liquid formmust be wide, and the solvent must be in a liquid form at temperaturesclose to room temperature.

(2) In the ultrahigh purity state in which the dissociating substancehas not been added, the solvent should possess as large an electricresistivity as possible.

(3) The added substance should dissociate at as high a proportion aspossible to produce negative and positive ions, and this ionconcentration should be as high as possible, while the electricresistivity should be as small as possible.

(4) In order to efficiently conduct the circulation of the solvent, theviscosity thereof should be as low as possible.

(5) The solvent should not possess flammability, combustibility, orexplosiveness.

Furthermore, the conditions required for the substance to be added areas follows.

(1) The substance should dissociate in the solvent in a nearly idealmanner at as high a concentration as possible.

(2) The ions which are generated should possess neither corrosivenessnor reactivity, and after the transfer of electrons between the anodeelectrode and cathode electrode has occurred, these ions should notprecipitate and adhere to the electrode surfaces, but should enter agaseous or liquid state.

Furthermore, in order to apply electrons as efficiently as possible tothe positive ions generated in the solvent, it is required that the workfunction of the cathode electrode be as great as possible.

In order to capture electrons as efficiently as possible from thenegative ions produced in the solvent, it is required that the workfunction of the anode electrode be as small as possible.

More concretely, the power generator of the present invention isprovided with at least:

a container having an inner surface possessing corrosion resistance andelectrically insulating properties with respect to hydrogen fluoridecontaining moisture,

a solution comprising anhydrous hydrogen fluoride fluid to which waterhas been added, which solution is stored within the container so as tobe isolated from the atmosphere,

an anode electrode comprising a material comprising corrosion resistancewith respect to hydrogen fluoride containing moisture and having a smallwork function, and a cathode electrode comprising a material possessingcorrosion resistance with respect to hydrogen fluoride containingmoisture and having a large work function, these electrodes immersed inthe solution so as to be mutually opposing, and

a heat application mechanism for applying predetermined heat to thesolution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagram explaining the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a graph showing the relationship between the concentrationof water in the hydrogen fluoride and the degree of dissociation.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a power generator embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a graph showing the relationship between the conductivityof the hydrogen fluoride containing water and temperature.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a power generator embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of another power generator embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of power source useful in conjunction with thepower generator of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of another power generator embodiment of thepresent invention.

FUNCTION

Hereinbelow, the functions of the present invention will be explainedwith reference to Examples of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the basic configuration of the present invention is depicted.

In order to explain the functions of the present invention, arepresentative Example was used in which hydrogen fluoride fluid wasused as the solvent, and water was used as the substance which was addedthereto; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and thescope of the present invention embraces other materials which areapplicable to the basic principles of the present invention as describedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 1, an anode electrode 11 comprising a material having asmall work function, and a cathode electrode 12 comprising a materialhaving a large work function, are disposed so as to be in mutualopposition and with a predetermined interval therebetween. Cathodeelectrode 12 and anode electrode 11 are connected through the medium ofload 10, and when hydrogen fluoride containing moisture fills theinterval between the electrodes, electrons flow through the medium ofthe load from the anode electrode, which has a small work function,through the space between the electrodes and to the cathode electrode,which has a large work function, so that a difference in electricpotential is generated.

Furthermore, the water dissolved in the hydrogen fluoride dissociates,producing H⁺ and OH⁻.

The H⁺ and the OH⁻ move to the cathode and anode electrode sides,respectively, and based on the reactions

    4H.sup.+ +4e.sup.- →2H.sub.2                        (1)

    4OH.sup.- →O.sub.2 +2H.sub.2 O+4e.sup.-             (2)

hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are produced, and a current flows throughthe load. That is to say, in the cathode electrode, an electron isapplied to the H⁺ ion and H₂ is generated, while at the anode electrode,an electron is captured from the OH⁻ and O₂ is produced. The H₂ Oproduced at the anode again obtains thermal energy in the hydrogenfluoride solution, and dissociates into H⁺ and OH⁻ ions.

In general, water will itself dissociate into H⁺ and OH⁻ ions in theliquid form. However, the degree of this dissociation is small, so that,for example, in neutral water, the concentration of H⁺ and OH⁻ ions isextremely small, having a value of 10⁻⁷ mol/l. Accordingly, even whenelectrodes are immersed in such water, the current which is produced isextremely small, so that such a system is completely unsuitable forpractical use. Furthermore, the case in which water is added to liquidhydrogen chloride is completely different from the case in which wateris added to hydrogen fluoride. That is to say, even when water is addedto liquid hydrogen chloride, this water exhibits almost no dissociation.As a result of these points, it can be seen that the use of hydrogenfluoride fluid as the solvent, and the use of water as the substance, isextremely desirable.

Moreover, when the present inventors investigated the relationshipbetween the degree of ion dissolution of water and water concentrationin a hydrogen fluoride fluid which is in a liquid form between thetemperatures of -83.5° C. and +19.5° C. at normal pressures, theydiscovered that the case in which water is present in a hydrogenfluoride fluid differs from the case in which water is present in othersolutions, and that the degree of dissociation of the water in this casewas extremely high. This relationship is shown in FIG. 2, in the case inwhich the temperature of the hydrogen fluoride solution was maintainedat 0° C.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the H₂ O concentration was 180 ppm, 1,800 ppm,and 18,000 ppm (1.8%), the conductivity of the hydrogen fluoride fluidwas, respectively, 5×10⁻³ sec·cm⁻¹, 3×10⁻² sec·cm⁻¹, and 1×10⁻¹sec·cm⁻¹. In particular, it was discovered that in the case in which theH₂ O concentration was less than 300 ppm, 100% of the waterdisassociated to form H+ and OH⁻ ions.

Here, we will consider hydrogen fluoride containing 300 ppm of water. Ifthe water contained in this hydrogen fluoride is converted to a molarnumber, the following results:

    1000 (cm.sup.3)×1.002 (g/cm.sup.3)×300×10.sup.-6 /18=0.0167 (mol).

That is to say, 1.67×10⁻² (mol/l) results, and because 100% of thiswater dissociates, the following results:

    H.sup.+ =OH.sup.- =1.67×10.sup.-2 (mol/l).

This is an extremely large value when compared with the 10⁻⁷ (mol/l) ofthe aqueous solution system, and represents a major characteristic ofthe power generator of the present invention. If the concentration ofwater is further increased, the concentration of the H⁺ and OH⁻ ions isfurther increased.

Next, a system example of the power generator of the present inventionis shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 indicates a generator unit; herein, ananode electrode 11 and a cathode electrode 12 are attached to acontainer 13, an inner surface of which has been subjected to insulatingprocessing, and output lines 14 and 15 for outputting generated currentare attached to each electrode.

Reference numeral 2 indicates a reaction vessel possessing a catalystfor producing water from the H₂ and O₂ gasses produced by generatorunit 1. A granulated or powdered Pd or Pd alloy should preferably fillthis reaction vessel. Furthermore, instead of granulating or powderingthis catalyst, it is also acceptable to place a bundle of Pd or Pd alloy(for example, Pd-10 Ag-10 Au) tubes having a cross sectional honeycombshape within this reaction vessel. In this case, in order to increasethe surfaces in contact with H₂, it is preferable that the tubes bethin; for example, tubes having dimensions such that the inner diameteris within a range of 1.0-1.5 mm, the tube thickness is approximately 80micrometers, and the length is approximately 70 cm, bundled into ahoneycomb shape, are used.

Reference numeral 3 indicates a heat exchanger (provided with heatingand cooling functions), reference numeral 4 indicates a circulation pump(pressure feeding mechanism) for circulating hydrogen fluoride solutioncontaining moisture, and reference numeral 5 indicates a pipe, an innersurface of which has been subjected to insulating processing.

A hydrogen fluoride solution containing a predetermined waterconcentration is introduced in a pressurized state into the system ofFIG. 3. At this time, the pressure is within a range of approximately1⁻¹⁰ kg/cm². In order to maintain safety, it is preferable that theapparatus as a whole be provided with a construction which is resistantto pressure on a level of 70 kg/cm². The reason for this is that thecritical temperature of the hydrogen fluoride solution is 18820 C., andthe critical pressure is 66.16 kg/cm².

After this, the hydrogen fluoride is cooled by the heat exchanger 3 andis maintained at a predetermined temperature within a range of 40° C. to-30° C. The temperature changes in the conductivity of the hydrofluoricacid are shown in FIG. 4. Straight lines A, B, and C indicatetemperature variations in the case in which the amount of water was,respectively, 10 ppm, 35 ppm, and 135 ppm. As can be understood fromFIG. 4, as the temperature of the liquid decreases, the resistivityincreases, so that it is preferable that the lower limit of theoperational temperature be -30° C. When the load is connected betweenthe output lines in this state, as explained above, the electrodereaction occurs, and a current flows through the load from the cathodeelectrode in the direction of the anode electrode. The voltage generatedin the load can be increased by increasing the water concentration or bynarrowing the space between the electrodes.

The H₂ and O₂ gasses produced in generator unit 1 are caused to flowalong with the hydrogen fluoride solution into reaction vessel 2, wherethey come into contact with the catalyst within the reaction vessel, andas shown by the following formula, the H₂ molecules become hydrogenradicals (H*).

    Pd+H.sub.2 →Pd+2H*                                  (3)

These hydrogen radicals react with the oxygen molecules to producewater.

    1/2 O.sub.2 +2H*→H.sub.2 O                          (4)

The H2O which is produced is immediately dissociated into ions in thehydrogen fluoride.

    H.sub.2 O→H.sup.+ +OH.sup.- -Q                      (5)

(Q indicates heat of reaction)

As shown by the above formulas, the dissociation of water is anendothermic reaction, so that heat is captured from the hydrogenfluoride fluid, and as the cycle is repeated, the fluid temperature isreduced. When the fluid temperature is reduced, the conductivity of thehydrogen fluoride is also reduced, and the current obtainable ingenerator unit 1 becomes smaller. It is for this reason that heat isadded by heat exchanger 3 (the heat application mechanism for applyingheat to the hydrogen fluoride fluid), and the fluid temperature ismaintained at a predetermined temperature.

In FIG. 3, a heat exchanger was used which had heating and coolingfunctions which was able to conduct both the heating and cooling of thefluid; however, it is not necessary to unify the heater and cooler,rather, they may be separately provided. If, for example, the hydrogenfluoride fluid is placed under pressure, the boiling point thereof willrise, and it is not absolutely necessary to provide a cooling function.

The vapor pressure of the hydrogen fluoride solution at varioustemperatures is shown in Table 1. If pressure is applied above 2.8kg/cm², and 10.8 kg/cm², respectively, the hydrogen fluoride will remainin a liquid state even when a liquid temperature of 50° C. or 100° C. isreached.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                       Vapor                                                          Temperature    Pressure                                                       (°C.)   (Kg/cm.sup.2)                                                  ______________________________________                                        -70            0.014                                                          -60            0.026                                                          -50            0.047                                                          -40            0.080                                                          -30            0.132                                                          -20            0.211                                                          -10            0.327                                                           0             0.492                                                          10             0.724                                                          20             1.055                                                          30             1.491                                                          40             2.074                                                          50             2.798                                                          60             3.783                                                          70             4.992                                                          80             6.539                                                          90             8.367                                                          100            10.757                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The cooling apparatus is only necessary during the initial period ofoperation of the system, so that it is not particularly necessary toinstall a dedicated apparatus. Furthermore, thermal energy sources forthe heat which is applied by means of the heat application mechanisminclude, for example, solar energy, geothermal energy, and waste heatenergy from incinerators; in addition, as the operating temperature islow, it is also possible to use thermal energy from sea water or thelike.

If, for example, LaB₆ is used in the anode electrode, and Pt is used inthe cathode electrode in the system shown in FIG. 3, the work functionsof Pt and LaB₆ are, respectively, 5.64-5.93 eV and 2.66-2.76 eV, so thatthe difference in work function is approximately 2.98-3.27 eV, and theelectromotive force between the cathode electrode and the anodeelectrode is on the level of 0.8-1.0 V.

Accordingly, even when the resistance loss of the hydrogen fluoride andthe electrode potential is taken into account, it is possible to obtaina voltage of 0.8-1.0 V or more.

Furthermore, if the flow rate of hydrogen fluoride containingapproximately 1% of water is set at 1 cm3 per second, the generator unitis set so as to achieve a 100% electrode reaction of the H⁺ and OH⁻ions, and an amount of ions contained in 1 cm³ of the hydrogen fluoridesolution equalling

    H.sup.+ =OH.sup.- =9×10.sup.18 ions/cm.sup.3

is caused to flow to the electrodes, and the amount of charge will equal

    (9×10.sup.18 electrons/cm.sup.3)×1.6×10.sup.-19 coulombs/electron=1.44 coulombs,

and a charge equalling this amount flows through the load each second,so that a current of 1.44 A is obtained.

At this time, the voltage is 0.8 V so that an electric power equalling

    0.8 V×1.44 A=1.15 W

is obtained.

This value is obtained in the case in which the flow rate of hydrogenfluoride containing approximately 1% water is set to 1 cm³ /sec; if thesystem is so constructed that the flow rate of the hydrogen fluoride is1 m³ /sec, or 1000 m³ /sec, then a large capacity power generator havinga capacity of 1,152 kW or 1,150,000 kW, respectively, will be obtained.If the amount of water contained in the hydrogen fluoride is increased,the generated power will also increase.

The interval W and the surface area S of the anode electrode and cathodeelectrode will now be discussed.

The resistivity ρ₁ of hydrogen fluoride solutions containing 300 ppm,and 1.8%, water at a temperature of 0° C. is, respectively, 125 Ω·cm,and 10 Ω·cm. The resistivity ρ₀ of a hydrogen fluoride solutioncontaining almost no water has not yet been determined; however, it canbe inferred from FIG. 2 that ρ₀ would have a value of more than 10⁷Ω·cm. However, if the ionizing reaction at the anode electrode andcathode electrode is to be conducted at an efficiency of approximately100%, then it is preferable that the current density J(A/cm²) be set toa value within a range of 10 mA/cm² to 100 A/cm². If the resistivity ofa hydrogen fluoride solution containing no water is designated ρ₁(Ω·cm), then the voltage decrease ΔV between the anode electrode and thecathode electrode is given by

    ΔV=ρ.sub.1 WJ (V)

If ρ₁ is set equal to 125 Ω·cm, and J is set within a range of 10 mA/cm²to 1000 mA/cm², then

    ΔV=1.25 W (V)-12.5 W                                 (V).

If W is set equal to 1×10⁻² cm=100 μm, then

    ΔV=0.0125 V-0.125 V,

and in comparison with the electromotive force of 0.8 V, this can beignored.

If W is set equal to 1 mm, then

    ΔV=0.125 V-1.25 V,

and as the current density J increases, the voltage decrease between theanode electrode and the cathode electrode becomes too large, and itbecomes impossible to generate a large electromotive force to theexterior. In order to reduce the current density, it is necessary tonarrow the interval W between the anode electrode and the cathodeelectrode, and to increase the amount of water present in the hydrogenfluoride solution by 1,000 ppm to 20,000 ppm. The efficiency of theionization reaction at the electrode surfaces and the current densitycan be controlled by adjusting interval W and the flow speed of thefluid. When the amount of water present in the hydrogen fluoridesolution becomes small, the resistivity ρ₁ of the fluid increases, andthe flowing current density becomes small, so that it is necessary toincrease the size of the surfaces of the anode electrode and the cathodeelectrode, and this is not efficient.

In the Example shown in FIG. 3, in which a cathode electrode and ananode electrode pair are provided, the output voltage of the generatingsystem is approximately 0.8 to 1.0 V, and in such a state, theproportion of the loss in the following power conversion system becomeslarge, so that the efficiency thereof is poor. Accordingly, it ispreferable to provide the electrodes of the generator unit in a numberof stages, as shown in FIG. 5, and thus to set the output voltage of thegenerator unit to a level of from tens of volts to tens of thousands ofvolts. It should be obvious that it is also possible to design thesystem so as to produce hundreds of thousands or millions of volts; thisshould be determined in accordance with the compatibility with the powerconversion system.

The interior of the container is divided into sections by partitions(for example, fluorine resins such as Teflon or PFA) 51, 51', 51", . . ., 52, 52', 52", . . . , 53, 54, and by electrodes; each of the spacesherein comprises 1 unit cell. In the diagram, the electrode 11 on theleft end indicates an electrode having a small work function (forexample, LaB₆, TiN), while the electrode 12 on the right end indicatesan electrode having a large work function (for example, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni),and the electrodes provided therebetween are electrodes in which LaB6(11', 11", 11'", . . . ) and Pt (12', 12", 12'", . . . ) are affixed toone another. Furthermore, it is also possible to use electrodes in whichPt and LaB₆ are coated onto, or are affixed to, the front and rearsurfaces of a metal such as stainless steel. By giving each cell anidentical structure and causing an identical amount of hydrogen fluoridesolution to flow thereinto, the power generated between the cathodeelectrode which is at the right end in the diagram, and the anodeelectrode which is at the left end in the diagram, has a value equal tothe value of one cell multiplied by the number of stages. The currentwhich flows is identical to that in the case of a single cell.

The length of partitions 52, 52', . . . , in the direction of flow ofthe hydrogen fluoride solution is set in accordance with the size of theelectrodes, the distance between electrodes, the resistivity of thehydrogen fluoride, the flow speed, the number of stages, and the like;however, in order to prevent the leakage of current between cells, it ispreferable that this length be somewhat greater than the electrodelength. Furthermore, in order that the H⁺ and the OH⁻ ions be convertedinto H₂ O and O₂ by the electrode reaction in the hydrogen fluoride, thelength of partitions 51, 51', . . . , is set so as to be shorter thanthe length of partitions 52, 52', . . .

In addition to the multistaged method shown in FIG. 5, other suchmethods include one in which a plurality of the unit cells areconnected, in a manner identical to that shown in FIG. 5, to produce aunit 6, and as shown in FIGS. 6(a) and (b), the input ports 60 of units61 are connected by means of a main input pipe 63, while the outputports 65 are connected by means of a main output pipe 64. Main inputpipe 63 and main output pipe 64 form a closed system through the mediumof a reaction vessel (not shown in the figure) and a pressure feedingmechanism (not shown in the figure). By constituting the apparatus inthis manner, it is possible to obtain a higher output voltage. When apositive voltage is to be obtained with respect to the earth, the rightend anode electrode, as shown in FIG. 6(a), may be grounded, while whena negative voltage is to be obtained, the right end cathode electrode 66may be grounded. When positive and negative voltages having equal andabsolute values are necessary as output voltages, the midpoint may begrounded, as shown in FIG. 6(b). By proceeding in this manner, DC/ACconversion can be accomplished extremely easily.

In FIG. 6, n indicates the number of stages, while V0 indicates thevoltage generated by a unit.

In the case in which the inlet port 68 into main input pipe 63 isprovided, for example, at the left side, as shown in FIG. 6(a), it ispreferable, in order that solution be uniformly supplied to each unit61, that the exhaust port 69 of the main output pipe 64 be provided atthe right side, as shown in FIG. 6(a).

Furthermore, by attaching each unit 61 so that the main input pipe 63and main output pipe 64 thereof are freely detachable, in the case inwhich a breakdown occurs in one of the units, it is possible to move andrepair only the damaged unit without requiring a stoppage in theoperations of the entire system. It is desirable to provide a circuit(not depicted in the figure) which is capable of automaticallyconnecting the electrodes of the 2 units neighboring the unit to berepaired at this time. If branch valves (3-way valves) are provided atinput port 60 and output port 65 of each unit 61, then the extractionand replacement of the solution within each unit 61 can be conductedeasily. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a flow meter or thelike at input port 60 and output port 65.

The system depicted in FIG. 5 may be used as a power source for a numberof uses, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 71 indicates the system shown in FIG. 5;outlet terminals thereof are connected to a DC/AC converter 72 whichconverts the direct current power of the power generation system intoalternating current having a desired frequency. The output of the DC/ACconverter 72 is raised to a desired voltage by transformer 73,reconversion to DC is then carried out in AC/DC converter 74, and thisis supplied to electronic devices, machines, and the like. It ispreferable that the frequency of the alternating current be within arange of 1 KHz-10 MHz, from the point of view of energy conversionefficiency.

With respect to the same amount of power, the size of the transformerbecomes smaller in proportion to the inverse of the square root of thefrequency as the frequency of the alternating current power increases,so that the transformer is reduced in size and weight. In the case inwhich the power which is thus handled is generated by means ofsingle-cell power generation having a comparatively small amount ofgenerated power, a semiconductor power conversion circuit which is usedas a DC/AC converter and a AC/DC converter has superior frequencycharacteristics, and it is preferable that the frequency be set within arange of 100 KHz˜10 MHz.

In the case in which this power generator is used in a conventionalpower plant, in order that the generator may be used with a preexistingtransmission network or the like, it is preferable that the generatedpower be set to a level of 50 Hz/60 Hz by the DC/AC converter. In thecase in which a DC transmission network has come into wide use,conversion can be conducted to a frequency which is appropriate in orderto raise the voltage to a predetermined transmission voltage, and thisvoltage increase may be conducted by a transformer. This may beconverted back to direct current by means of an AC/DC converter, andplaced on a transmission network.

Embodiment Examples

Solvent, added substance:

The solvent which is used in the present invention must be a solventwhich does not itself dissociate, and the substance which is added tothis solvent is a substance which dissociates in the solvent.

An example of such a combination is, for example, one in which hydrogenfluoride is used as the solvent, and water is used as the addedsubstance.

The concentration of the added substance varies based on the concretecombination of the solvent and the added substance; however, forexample, in the case of the combination of hydrogen fluoride and water,the amount of water added should preferably be less than 2%. If a levelof 2% is exceeded, the fluid which is obtained will no longer be one inwhich water is added to an anhydrous hydrogen fluoride solution.However, a level of 10 ppm or more is necessary in order that theresistivity not become too large, as shown in FIG. 2.

The anhydrous hydrogen fluoride itself does not possess strong corrosiveproperties; however, when water is added thereto, the corrosivityincreases, and when the amount of water added exceeds a level of 2%, theanode electrode and the cathode electrode are corroded, as explainedhereinbelow. Accordingly, it is preferable that the amount of wateradded be less than 1%. However, in the case in which less than 10 ppm ofwater is added, 100% of the water dissociates, but the ion concentrationis reduced, and the electric resistivity of the hydrogen fluoridesolution becomes undesirably high, reaching a level of tens of Ω·cm ormore, so that an efficient power generation system cannot be obtained.

In the present invention, the use of a solvent which does not itselfdissociate is based on the following reasons. That is to say, in orderto obtain a large amount of generated power, as shown in FIG. 5, it ispreferable that electrodes be disposed in stages in the power generator.Moreover, if the solvent dissociates, the ions produced by thisdissociation themselves will bear the load, and will cause current toflow undesirably between themselves and other electrodes. This causes aloss of power. Furthermore, the solvent itself is subject to ionization,and is converted to a gas by means of an ionization reaction at theelectrodes, so that stable power generation cannot be maintained.

Water having the characteristics listed below is used as the water whichis to be added.

    ______________________________________                                        Resistivity (MΩ · cm 25° C.)                                                >18                                                       Particles (ps/cc) >0.1 μm                                                                      <20                                                       TOC (μgC/l)      <50                                                       Dissolved oxygen (μgO/l)                                                                       <100                                                      ______________________________________                                    

Electrode:

It is preferable that the work function anode electrode and the cathodeelectrode used in the present invention differ as much as possible. Thisis so that the electromotive force generated to the exterior can be aslarge as possible. However, as explained above, hydrogen fluoridecontaining a moisture component has high corrosivity, so that theelectrodes must possess high corrosion resistance. Appropriate materialsfor the cathode electrode include, for example, Pt, Au, Ni, Pd, and thelike. In particular, in the case in which Pd is used as the material forthe cathode electrode, when H₂ is generated at the electrodes, thisforms H*, so that an effective reconversion to water within the vesselcan be expected, and a further decrease in size of the apparatus becomespossible. As a result of this, Pd is preferably used.

Furthermore, materials suitable for use in the anode electrode include,for example, LaB₆, TiN, NbC, W₂ C, ZrN, ZrC, Cs, and the like. It is ofcourse only necessary that the portions in contact with the hydrogenfluoride solution containing a moisture component comprise suchmaterials, and accordingly, electrodes in which appropriate material isused as a base material, and the surface thereof is covered by one ofthe materials described above, is acceptable.

Moreover, in general, an oxide film or the like, although extremelythin, forms on the surfaces of such materials, and thus, impurities aredeposited. The presence of such an oxide film or impurities impede thereaction on the electrode surface. However, the present invention hasthe advantage of using hydrogen fluoride containing a moisture componentas the solution, so that it is possible to remove such oxide films orimpurities by simply immersing the electrode into the solution, andaccordingly, it is possible to expose the active surface of anelectrode. This is one reason for the preferential use of a hydrogenfluoride solution containing a moisture component in the presentinvention.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance between the mutuallyopposing electrodes be as small as possible. If this distance is large,the voltage which is obtainable is reduced, as a result of the electricresistivity of the hydrogen fluoride solution containing a moisturecomponent between the electrodes. Specifically, a distance of less than1 cm is preferable, and a distance of less than 1 mm is furtherpreferable. The lower limit thereof should be determined inconsideration of the pressure loss, in the case in which the solution iscirculated, or the degree of manufacturing difficulty; however,preferably, this lower limit should be within a range of 0.1 mm˜0.3 mm.

For reference, the work function values of each electrode are listedbelow.

    ______________________________________                                        Cathode Electrode                                                             Au                    5.1 ˜ 5.47 eV                                     Ni                   5.04 ˜ 5.35 eV                                     Pt                   5.64 ˜ 5.93 eV                                     Pd                   5.55 eV                                                  Anode Electrode                                                               LaB6                 2.66 ˜ 2.76 eV                                     TiN                  2.92 eV                                                  NbC                  2.24 ˜ 4.1 eV                                      W2C                   2.6 ˜ 4.58 eV                                     ZrN                  2.92 eV                                                  ZrC                  2.18 ˜ 4.22 eV                                     Cs                   1.95 eV                                                  ______________________________________                                    

The disparities in the work function values result from crystallinestructure and manufacturing methods.

Container:

In the present invention, a container having an interior (that is tosay, the portion in which the hydrogen fluoride solution is stored)isolated from the atmosphere is used as the container for storing thehydrogen fluoride solution containing a moisture component. If thehydrogen fluoride solution comes into contact with the atmosphere, itabsorbs moisture from the is atmosphere. Accordingly, the solutionisolated from the atmosphere in order to prevent this. It is desirablethat a material possessing corrosion resistance with respect to hydrogenfluoride containing a moisture component be used as the material of thecontainer. For example, a fluorine system resin (more concretely,Teflon: a registered trademark of the DuPont Corporation, or PFA, or thelike) may be used. It is of course possible to construct, of Teflon,only those portions which will come into contact with the hydrogenfluoride solution containing a moisture component, so that accordingly,for example, Teflon or PFA may be used as a lining on a stainless steelinner surface. In addition, a structure is possible in which, forexample, a metal having formed thereon a passivated fluoride film havingan approximately stoichiometric ratio is formed. Furthermore, it is mostpreferable to use a structure in which a metal material having formed onthe surface thereof a passivated fluoride film having an approximatelystoichiometric ratio is lined with a fluorine system resin. It ispreferable that pure steel, stainless steel (in particular, SUS316L), oran aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy be used as the metal materialserving as the base material on which the passivated fluoride film isformed. The passivated fluoride film (FeF₂, AlF₃, MgF₂) formed on onthis metal material is extremely fine, exhibits an extremely highcorrosion resistance, even with respect to hydrogen fluoride containinga moisture component, and has superior electrically insulatingcharacteristics. The film formation technology disclosed in, forexample, Japanese Patent Application, First Publication, Laid-Open No.2-270964 may be used for the formation of such a passivated fluoridefilm.

The boiling point of hydrogen fluoride is 19.6° C., so that there is thepossibility of the conversion thereof to a gas at is normaltemperatures. In order to prevent vaporization, it desirable thatpressurization be conducted. For example, if pressurization is conductedto a pressure of approximately 11 kg/cm², vaporization can be preventedeven if the temperature reaches 100° C. This point has been previouslydiscussed in the "Function" section.

In order to provide pressure resistance, the use of a material in which,as described above, metal is used as a substrate, and Teflon, PFA or thelike is applied to the inner surface thereof, or the use of a materialin which a metal having formed on the surface thereof a passivatedfluoride film, having an approximately stoichiometric ratio, is coatedor lined with Teflon, PFA, or the like, is preferable. Furthermore, thiswill result in a reduction in costs.

Circulation System . . . Closed System:

In the present invention, hydrogen and oxygen are produced by thereaction at the electrodes. This hydrogen and oxygen may be permitted toexit the system for use, for example, as material for fuel cells. Insuch a case, replenishment of the consumed water is conducted.

However, in the case in which these gasses are extracted in this manner,the replenishment of the water thus consumed must be conducted, and thiscreates inconveniences in the operation of the apparatus. Furthermore,during replenishment, the hydrogen fluoride must be exposed to theatmosphere.

In the present invention, it is preferable that a closed system beemployed in which the hydrogen and oxygen are returned to the system.That is to say, input and output ports are provided on the container,and these input and output ports are connected by piping through themedium of a pressure feeding mechanism for pressure feeding of solutionwithin the container. Along this piping, a reaction vessel containing acatalyst such as Pd or the like is provided for reacting the hydrogenand oxygen.

In this type of structure, the H₂ O and O₂ gasses come into contact withthe catalyst within the reaction vessel, and the H2 molecules becomeradicals (H*), as shown in the following formula.

    Pd+H.sub.2 →Pd+2H*                                  (6)

These hydrogen radicals react with the oxygen molecules to form water.

    1/2 O.sub.2 +2H*→H.sub.2 O                          (7)

The H2O thus formed dissociates immediately to form ions as it isintroduced into the hydrogen fluoride.

    H.sub.2 O→H.sup.+ +OH.sup.- -Q                      (8)

(Q Indicates the heat of reaction)

In the case of such a structure, there is some danger of pressure lossduring the circulation of the hydrogen fluoride solution; however, theviscosity of the hydrogen fluoride is extremely small in comparison withthat of other solutions (the characteristic values of hydrogen fluorideand water are shown in Table 2) and accordingly, the power necessary forthe pressure feeding of the solution is extremely small in comparisonwith the power which is obtained. Thus, in the case of such acirculation system, the use of hydrogen fluoride as the solvent isextremely advantageous, and such a circulation system is designed so asto skillfully make use of the characteristics of hydrogen fluoride.Furthermore, only heat must be externally replenished, and maintenanceis extremely simple.

                  TABLE 2:                                                        ______________________________________                                        Characteristics    HF         H.sub.2 O                                       ______________________________________                                        Boiling Point °C.                                                                         19.54      100.0                                           Melting Point °C.                                                                         -83.55     0.0                                             Density g/cm.sup.3 1.002      0.9999                                          Viscosity (0° C.), cP                                                                     0.256      1.7921                                          Surface Tension (0° C.), dyn/cm                                                           10.1       74.28                                           Dielectric Constant (0° C.)                                                               83.6       81.0                                            Dipole Moment (0° C.), C · m                                                     6.10 × 10.sup.-30                                                                  6.24 X 10.sup.-30                               Specific Heat cal/g · deg                                                               0.61       1.0                                             ______________________________________                                    

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Present invention

Embodiment 1:

A first embodiment of the present invention using a system having thestructure depicted in FIG. 3 will be explained.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 indicates a generator unit, in which ananode electrode 11 comprising LaB₆ and a cathode electrode 12 comprisingPt are attached to a stainless steel container 13, a surface of which islined with Teflon (registered trademark of the DuPont Corporation). Theelectrodes have dimensions such that the lengths thereof are 15 cm andwidths thereof are 10 cm, and the distance between the electrodes is 100micrometers. Reference numerals 14 and 15 indicate output lines for theoutput of electric current. Reference numeral 2 indicates a stainlesssteel (SUS316L) vessel, an inner surface of which is lined with Teflon,into which are packed, in a honeycomb shape, 30 pipes having dimensionssuch that the inner diameter thereof is 1.3 mm, the thickness thereof is80 micrometers, and the length thereof is 35 cm, and which comprise Pd(80)--Ag (10)--Au (10).

Reference numeral 3 indicates a constant temperature bath. Referencenumeral 4 indicates a pump for circulating hydrogen fluoride solutionamong generator unit 1, vessel 2, constant temperature bath 3, andpiping. Reference numeral 6 indicates a thermometer.

A hydrogen fluoride solution comprising anhydrous hydrogen fluoride(99.99% purity) to which approximately 1% of water was added wasintroduced into the system.

First, while circulating the hydrogen fluoride solution at a flow rateof 1 cc/sec, feedback of the output of thermometer 6 to the constanttemperature bath was conducted, and the temperature of the hydrogenfluoride solution was maintained at 0° C.

In this state, output lines 14 and 15 were connected through the mediumof a resistor, and when the difference in potential was measured,voltage of 0.8 V was obtained. Furthermore, a current of 1.4 A wasobtained.

Embodiment 2:

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present Invention.

The apparatus of the present embodiment is provided with 2 pairs ofelectrodes in the generator unit, and is designed to generate a largeelectromotive force.

In the diagram, reference numeral 11 indicates a LaB₆ electrode,reference numeral 12 indicates a Pt electrode, and reference numeral 16indicates an electrode, the left side of which is Pt electrode 11', andthe right side of which is LaB6 electrode 12'. Reference numerals 81 and82 indicate insulating partitions which divide the cell; in the presentembodiment, Teflon is used therefor. The other reference numeralsindicate parts identical to those of FIG. 3.

The size of the electrodes is set at 15×10 cm, the distance betweenelectrodes was set to 100 micrometers, and the length of partitions 81and 82 were set to 5 cm and 15 cm, respectively.

In the same manner as in embodiment 1, a solution containing 1% of waterin anhydrous hydrogen fluoride was introduced into the system, and thishydrogen fluoride solution containing a moisture component wascirculated at a flow rate of 2 cm³ /sec. At this time, the interterminalvoltage of output lines 14 and 15 was 1.6 V, and the current which wasobtained was 1.4 A.

Industrial Applicable Field

By means of the present invention, it is possible to provide a powergenerator which is capable of producing a large amount of power at lowcost using almost no fossil fuels and without polluting the environment.

That is to say, it is possible to obtain power generation producing anamount of power which is capable of replacing the power generators, suchas thermal power generators, nuclear power generators, and the like,which are presently mainly employed, and furthermore, a power generatoris provided which is capable of obtaining clean energy which does notcause environmental problems.

It is of course the case that the power generator of the presentinvention may be reduced or increased in size based on the number ofelectrodes, so that, for example, such a power generator could beprovided in homes for single-home power generation easily and at lowcost, and could also be used for automobiles and the like. Furthermore,such generators could be built into artificial satellites and could takethe place of the solar cells which are presently used therein.

Furthermore, such a generator could also be used as a small-scalebattery for use in flashlights or the like.

I claim:
 1. A power generator, comprising:a power cell comprising afluid storage means having an inner surface possessing corrosionresistive and electrically insulating properties with respect tohydrogen fluoride containing moisture, a solution comprising anadmixture comprised of hydrogen fluoride fluid and water, said solutiondisposed in said fluid storage means in isolation from the atmosphere,an anode electrode comprised of a material possessing corrosionresistance with respect to hydrogen fluoride containing moisture andhaving a work function in the range of from about 1.95 to about 4.58 eV,and a cathode electrode comprised of a material possessing corrosionresistance with respect to hydrogen fluoride containing moisture andhaving a work function in the range of from about 5.04 to about 5.93 eV,said anode and cathode electrodes immersed in a state of mutualopposition in said solution; and a heat application means for applyingheat to said solution.
 2. A power generator in accordance with claim 1,wherein a concentration of said water is less than 2%.
 3. A powergenerator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fluid storage meanscomprises an input port and an output port, said input port and saidoutput port connected by piping, said piping in fluid communication witha pressure feeding means for pressure feeding said solution into saidfluid storage means, and a reaction vessel containing a catalyst forcatalyzing the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen.
 4. A power generator inaccordance with claim 3, wherein said catalyst comprises one ofpalladium and a palladium alloy.
 5. A power generator in accordance withclaim 3, wherein said catalyst is in one of granular and powdered form,and fills the interior of said reaction vessel.
 6. A power generator inaccordance with claim 3, wherein said catalyst has the form of bundledthin tubes having a cross sectional honeycomb shape, and is retainedwithin said reaction vessel.
 7. A power generator in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said anode electrode and said cathode electrode areattached to each other, and said attached electrodes are disposed in amultistaged form so that an anode electrode side and a cathode electrodeside are in mutual opposition.
 8. A power generator in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said cathode electrode comprises one of Pt, Au, Ni, andPd.
 9. A power generator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said anodeelectrode comprises one of LaB₆, TiN, NbC, W₂ C, ZrN, ZrC, and Cs.
 10. Apower generator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said cathodeelectrode comprises one of Pt, Au, Ni, and Pd coated on the surface of ametallic material.
 11. A power generator in accordance with claim 1,wherein said anode electrode comprises one of LaB₆, TiN, NbC, W₂ C, ZrN,ZrC, and Cs, coated on the surface of a metallic material.
 12. A powergenerator in accordance with claim 1, wherein a distance betweenopposing electrodes is less than 1 cm.
 13. A power generator inaccordance with claim 12, wherein a distance between opposing electrodesis greater than 0.1 mm.
 14. A power generator in accordance with claim1, wherein said fluid storage means comprises a fluorine system resin.15. A power generator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fluidstorage means comprises a fluorine system resin lining on the surface ofa metallic material.
 16. A power generator in accordance with claim 1,wherein said fluid storage means comprises a metallic material havingformed on the surface thereof a fluoride passivating film having anapproximately stoichiometric ratio.
 17. A power generator in accordancewith claim 1, wherein said fluid storage means comprises a materialwherein a fluorine system resin is used as a liner on a metallicmaterial having formed on the surface thereof a fluoride passivatingfilm having an approximately stoichiometric ratio.
 18. A power generatorin accordance with claim 15, wherein said metallic material comprisesone of pure steel and stainless steel.
 19. A power generator,comprising:a plurality of power cells, each said power cell comprising afluid storage means having an inner surface having corrosion resistiveand electrically insulating properties with respect to hydrogen fluoridecontaining moisture, and an input port and an output port, a solutioncomprising an admixture comprising hydrogen fluoride and water, saidsolution disposed within said fluid storage means in isolation from theatmosphere, an anode electrode comprising a material possessingcorrosion resistance with respect to hydrogen fluoride containingmoisture and having a work function in the range of from about 1.95 toabout 4.58 eV, and a cathode electrode comprising a material possessingcorrosion resistance with respect to hydrogen fluoride containingmoisture and having a work function in the range of from about 5.04 toabout 5.93 eV, said anode and cathode electrodes immersed in a mutuallyopposing manner in said solution; a main input pipe which is connectedto each said input port, a main output pipe which is connected to eachsaid output port, said main input pipe and said main output pipeconnected through a pressure feeding means for pressure feeding saidsolution to each said fluid storage means, and through a reaction vesselcontaining a catalyst for catalyzing the reaction between hydrogen andoxygen; output lines provided at each respective said anode and cathodeelectrodes of each said power cell, said output lines connected inseries; and a heat application means for applying heat to said solution.20. A power generator in accordance with claim 19, wherein said anodeelectrodes and cathode electrodes are joined, and said joined electrodesare disposed in a multistaged form so that anode electrode sides andcathode electrode sides are in mutual opposition.
 21. A power generatorin accordance with claim 19, wherein output pipes are grounded at acentral point of the plurality of said power cells.